- A non-load-bearing opening with simple drywall repair is usually at the lower end.
- Structural framing, electrical relocation, plaster, flooring and custom trim increase the scope.
- In Los Angeles, changing wall framing around a doorway may require a building permit.
What the price normally includes
A complete doorway-widening scope may include site protection, selective demolition, verification of the wall condition, new framing, any required header or engineering, electrical relocation, drywall or plaster repair, trim, paint touch-up and floor or baseboard patching.
For a straightforward non-load-bearing wall, a practical early range is often about $3,500 to $7,500. If the wall is load-bearing, the opening is unusually wide, or utilities and high-detail finishes are involved, planning can move into the $8,000 to $12,000-plus range. These are planning figures, not a proposal; site conditions and approved scope control the actual price.
The five conditions that change the cost most
- Load-bearing versus non-load-bearing wall: a structural opening may need calculations, a properly sized header and temporary support during construction.
- Electrical, plumbing or HVAC in the wall: switches, outlets, piping or ducts may need to be relocated before the opening can expand.
- Wall finish: modern drywall is typically easier to blend than older plaster, specialty texture, paneling or tile.
- Floor and baseboard transitions: widening an opening exposes areas that may not have continuous flooring or matching trim.
- Condo or HOA requirements: access rules, protection plans, work hours, insurance documents and written approval can affect planning and scheduling.
Does a widened doorway need a permit in Los Angeles?
Do not assume that an interior opening is automatically cosmetic. LADBS guidance identifies a new doorway or alteration of wall framing around a doorway as permit-related work. The exact path depends on the address, wall condition and scope, and properties outside the City of Los Angeles are handled by their own jurisdiction.
The safest sequence is to confirm whether the wall is structural, identify any building systems in the opening, and verify the permit route before demolition. A permit determination and an HOA approval are separate decisions; one does not replace the other.
What to send for a useful preliminary estimate
- One straight-on photo showing the entire wall, floor and ceiling.
- Photos from both sides of the opening and one photo of the room above, if there is a second floor.
- Current opening width and height, plus the desired finished width and shape.
- Property city, house or condo, and whether there is an HOA.
- Any available floor plans, prior permit plans or structural information.
A better way to compare quotes
Compare the same scope, not only the total. Confirm who is handling structural review, permits, protection, electrical relocation, drywall texture, trim, paint and floor repair. A low number that excludes finish restoration can become the most expensive option once the wall is open.
Planning ranges are general starting points, not a bid or guarantee. A written proposal requires review of the property, final scope, selected materials, access, jurisdiction and applicable approvals.